Device for cutting slices of a sample and method to operate such a device

Abstract

A device for cutting slices of a sample includes a sample holder configured to hold the sample and to move the sample in one or more directions, and a blade holder configured to move a blade in one or more directions to cut the sample. The device is configured to move the sample holder relatively to the blade holder in a first movement that includes a first phase in which the sample is cut by the blade, and move the sample holder relatively to the blade holder in a second movement that includes a retreat phase in which the sample holder is moved away from and/or to the blade. Both the first movement and the second movement are executed to cut the sample in a pre-defined direction. The device is configured to indicate whether the device is in the retreat phase.

1 . A device for cutting slices of a sample, the device comprising:
 a sample holder configured to hold the sample and to move the sample in one or more directions; and   a blade holder configured to move a blade in one or more directions to cut the sample;   wherein the device is configured to:
 move the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a first movement that comprises a first phase in which the sample is cut by the blade; and 
 move the sample holder relative to the blade holder in a second movement that comprises a retreat phase in which the sample holder is moved away from and/or to the blade; 
   wherein both the first movement and the second movement are executed to cut the sample in a pre-defined direction; and   wherein the device is configured to indicate whether the device is in the retreat phase.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the sample holder is configured to be actuated manually and/or electrically to perform the first movement and/or the second movement.   
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the second movement is substantially perpendicular to the first movement.   
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the second movement is smaller than the first movement.   
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to perform the first movement and/or the second movement as periodical movements.   
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1   wherein the first movement and the second movement are superimposed by a single actuator.   
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the second movement is adjusted by a rotating wheel, and the retreat phase is indicated for the rotating wheel.   
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to provide a visual signal to a microscope and/or a monitor connected to the device.   
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to provide an acoustic signal based upon the device being in the retreat phase.   
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to check whether the device is in the retreat phase by checking one or more of following conditions:   whether the sample has been placed in the sample holder;   whether the blade has been placed in the blade holder; or   whether a rotating adjustment wheel for commanding the second movement is positioned such that the device moves into the retreat phase; and   wherein the device is configured to provide an indication signal based upon at least one of the conditions being true.   
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to check whether the device is in the retreat phase
 during a start procedure; and/or 
 during the first movement and 
   wherein the device is configured to provide an indication signal based upon at least one of these conditions being true.   
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to block and/or stop the first movement, based on the indication that the device is in the retreat phase.   
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the device is configured to block and/or stop an adjustment of a movement of the blade holder parallel to the second movement, based on an indication that the device is in the retreat phase.   
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 13 ,
 wherein the device is configured to:
 obtain a release signal from a human system interface; and 
 unblock the first movement based in the release signal. 
   
     
     
         15 . A method for operating a device for slicing a sample,
 wherein the device comprises a sample holder and a blade holder which are configured for a movement relative to each other; and   wherein the movement comprises:
 a first movement with a first phase during which the sample is cut by a blade of the blade holder; and 
 a second movement with a retreat phase in which the sample holder is moved away from and/or to the blade; 
   the method comprising:
 determining that the device is in the retreat phase; and 
 providing an indication that the device is in the retreat phase.